This week, I didn't miss out on...

The lure of the comfort zone and how it deprives us of experiences.

Hello dear friend

Welcome to this week’s edition of Be Your Best Friend with Anangsha - the weekly newsletter that looks inwards for flaws and constantly keeps working on them.

This week, I want to tell you how I almost missed out on what turned out to be January's highlight so far. Yes, it’s related to that dreaded comfort zone and how it can lure and trick you into giving up on what makes you the happiest.

Curious? Let’s dive right in.

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“Should I cancel the open mic performance? I’m tired and sleepy and don’t really feel my best.”

When I wrote this in my journal, I identified what it was — an EXCUSE to cancel because I was too terrified to present my work in front of an audience.

I could have listened to the excuse and stayed at home. It was a local open mic anyway; no one would have missed me.

But in all my years, if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this — the best things happen when you say YES.

✅Yes to all that’s difficult.
✅Yes to things you’re not ready for.
✅Yes to things that shatter your comfort zone.
✅Yes to things you feel might make your life a little better.

And so, I said YES to the open mic.

And even though I was nervous and shaking with self-doubt, I went up there and performed poetry in front of 50+ people gathered on that beautiful evening

Image from the author’s Instagram

When I came back home, my heart was filled with warmth and lovely memories.

If I’d not been stronger than my excuses, I would have missed out on a memorable evening filled with heartwarming conversations. I would have missed witnessing the spectacular talent of the other performers.

But I showed up, and I have no regrets.

When was the last time you proved yourself stronger than your excuses? Share your stories in the comments.♥️

PS: All the poems I read that evening were from my book, Stolen Reflections. If you’re a poetry lover, you can check the book here.

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Hope you liked this week’s newsletter edition. Note that I create this newsletter for you weekly with lots of love. If you’d like to support me, here’s a link to buy me a book.

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That’s all from my end today. I’ll see you again soon. Till then, stay strong. Keep smiling and be awesome.

With love,
Anangsha.